Lotus plays down Grosjean exit rumours

Lotus insists Romain Grosjean's future with the team is safe despite the departure of team boss Eric Boullier.

Grosjean enjoyed a close relationship with fellow countryman Boullier and there were claims in French media his time at Lotus could now be in doubt. But the team has been quick to play down these rumours, hinting a long-term deal could soon be on the cards.

The chief of Lotus team owner Genii Capital, Gerard Lopez, insists it is the management stable Gravity and not any individual in the team who brought Grosjean to Lotus, meaning there is no concern or doubt over the Frenchman's future.

"It is us who brought Romain from GP2, and his career was launched by Jean-Paul Driot, who is a friend and a partner," Lopez told French radio station RMC.

"Then the choice of the lineup for F1 was done with Eric Boullier, but it's still us who decided. And Gravity is 100% ours.

"For me, Romain is one of the best drivers in F1 today, and I think we will soon be able to announce something for the very long term."